Student Spotlight

We are blessed to have some brilliant students train in our pharmacies throughout the year. This information is provided by Ekta Patel, a fourth-year student at University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. Retail pharmacy is her passion. Her long-term career goal is to own an Independent pharmacy. She and her husband live in Columbia and are expecting their first child next month.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is found in the cannabis plant that includes hemp and marijuana. CBD from the hemp plant differs from the marijuana plant as it does not contain delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that creates a mind-altering “high”. Therefore, CBD that comes from hemp plant is not psychoactive, meaning it does not change a person’s state of mind when using it, and has shown to benefit a person’s health in a variety of ways.

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

CBD is an external source of cannabinoids that can help maintain optimal balance in your body and regulate your endocannabinoid system (ECS) to improve health. The ECS is made up of cell receptors throughout your body that act as messengers, giving your body specific directions on what to do and how to function. If your body is unable to produce enough endocannabinoids or cannot regulate them properly, you are more susceptible to illnesses.

CBD comes in three different forms, oil, softgel capsules, and salve. The Oil comes in two strengths, 300 mg (10 mg/mL) and 600 mg (20 mg/mL). It is to be put under the tongue, hold for 30-60 seconds then swallow. The softgel capsules are 15 mg/capsules, of which 30% will be lost in the GI tract, therefore, only 70% will be absorbed. And the salve is 125 mg, with 100% absorption at the site of application.

HOW TO GET STARTED?

A good starting dose is 10 mg of the oil or one 15 mg capsule in the evening after dinner for the first 3 days. Monitor how you feel. If you feel you need more after day 3, you can increase your dose to twice a day to three times a day. Take your first dose after breakfast, second dose in the afternoon and your third dose after dinner. Try to take each dose at the same time every day, so you can better understand the effects. Each individual is different in how their system reacts to these products, therefore, it is best to start with a small dose and slowly increase your dose to achieve the desired results.